Abstract: The present invention relates to improved method and structure for producing an electric discharge in a laser cavity which eliminates arcing and permits electron energy to be chosen based on energy requirements for accelerating the electrons rather than energy and/or pressure requirements for supplying electrons. An auxiliary discharge is maintained to provide the electrons necessary for laser excitation. A transverse electric field is then superimposed to impart the energy required to accelerate the electrons.

Abstract: Alcohol concentrations present in a gaseous breath sample are monitored by measuring the magnitude of the short circuit current passing through the external circuit between the anode and cathode of a fuel cell. The anode and cathode are positioned on opposite sides of a cationic exchange membrane and an aqueous acid electrolyte between the cathode and membrane assists ion and electron transfer. Alcohol introduced at the anode is electrooxidized while oxygen supplied to the cathode is electroreduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a thin film of material upon a base substrate including a glow discharge ion source for generating the particular ions that will be subsequently deposited upon the base substrate, a vacuum deposition chamber wherein the substrate material is located, and, intermediate between the glow discharge ion source and the vacuum deposition chamber, a constrictor electrode for isolating the deposition chamber from the ion chamber and an anode electrode for extracting ions from the glow discharge ion source and directing them toward the target substrate. A magnetic field is also provided in the apparatus of the present invention by the use of an externally wound magnetic coil to permit the glow discharge ion source to operate at a lower pressure and to constrict the flow of ions toward the substrate.

Abstract: An improved ion-laser system utilizing a cold, perforated-wall hollow-cate electron-beam discharge to produce a high energy, high intensity self-collimated electron-beam to provide a high efficiency, high power continuous wave or pulsed ion-laser oscillations in both visible and ultra-violet ranges.